Sweatiquette and Calgary’s Gym Scene

It’s January, gyms are busy, machines are at full capacity, classes are packed….all in all an appropriate time to revisit a little ‘sweatiquette’ (Urban Dictionary defines sweatiquette as: the act of cleaning up gym equipment after use so the next person is not subjected to sweat and other bodily fluids).

Here are some basics:

• Spray, wipe, repeat. No one wants to hop onto a chest press machine that is drenched from the prior user, so work together with your fellow gym-goers to keep machines dry and clean

• Cell phone usage – a big no. If your phone is your source for workout tunes or for timing purposes, then set it to airplane mode, and get your sweat on, but otherwise, just put it away. If you’ve ever waited patiently for a machine while someone sits there texting away, or had to endure listening to someone on the elliptical next to you recounting last night’s date in remarkable detail, you can understand the frustration.

• Put your equipment away. Is that where the kettlebell was when you found it? If not, you know what to do

• Group fitness class newbies – arrive early and get a spot up front. Cool kids at the back of the class definitely does not apply here. You’ll get more out of the class, and the instructors will be in a better position to help you along.

If you have some treasured tips to pass along, we’d love to hear them!